Johanna Worm is Dresden's new Stollen Girl

Johanna Worm is the 31st Dresden Stollen Girl and thus the new representative of the famous Christmas pastry. "Being able to represent this traditional pastry, the Christian history and the craftsmanship behind it as a Stollen Girl makes me incredibly proud," said the 17-year-old at her presentation in Dresden. It also shows that young people can carry on the love of the craft.

Worm is currently training as a confectioner and is in her second year of training. She was born in Ottendorf and now lives in Königsbrück. According to the Dresden Stollen Protection Association, she brings enthusiasm for the craft, family roots and a love of Christmas stollen, said association chairman Andreas Wippler. Johanna Worm plays several instruments - including ukulele, guitar and piano - and has a passion for the music and clothing of the 1950s.

The association chooses a Dresden Stollen Girl every fall. Applicants must have good grades at vocational school, extensive specialist knowledge and a great passion for Dresden's number one Christmas cookie. During her term of office, a Stollen Girl has a good 50 compulsory appointments in the name of the traditional pastry, whose origins date back to the 14th century. The Stollen Girl is also the patron of the Dresden Stollen Festival, which is celebrating its 30th birthday at the Striezelmarkt this year.